The Use of Metaphors and Similes in Political Discourse in Ghana

In this study, we examine how ordinary citizens use metaphors and similes in their contributions to political discussions in Ghana. We argue that the use of these figurative language devices is a subtle means by which citizens expose politicians and question their competence in handling national issues. They also serve as means of minimizing direct vilification of politicians in the political space of Ghana. In fact, when metaphors and similes are employed within a particular discourse, one has to understand the context in which they have been used as well as the specific communicative function they convey in order to arrive at the desired interpretation. Using Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) Conceptual Metaphor Theory, data collected from purposively selected and transcribed radio recordings as well as online commentaries, were critically analysed. The analysis revealed that ordinary citizens use metaphors and similes to surreptitiously expose the way and manner in which politicians run the country. Also, metaphors and similes serve as communication tools to mitigate the effect of otherwise direct attacks on politicians in Ghana. This study has implication for the relationship between political communication and society.